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The Alpha Brotherhood #3
Playing for Keeps
It's been eighteen years…and he still wants her
In high school, Malcolm Douglas was a bad boy who stole the heart of small-town girl Celia Patel—as well as her virginity. But life pulled them apart…and just as well, for he'd already broken her heart.
Now Malcolm is a world-famous billionaire dedicated to atoning for his sins. When he swoops back into Celia's life, he tells himself he only wants to protect her from recent threats. But the desire between them leaves them as breathless as teenagers. Will Celia ever forgive him? Maybe. If he can make today's pleasure erase yesterday's pain..
In high school, Malcolm Douglas was a bad boy who stole the heart of small-town girl Celia Patel—as well as her virginity. But life pulled them apart…and just as well, for he'd already broken her heart.
Now Malcolm is a world-famous billionaire dedicated to atoning for his sins. When he swoops back into Celia's life, he tells himself he only wants to protect her from recent threats. But the desire between them leaves them as breathless as teenagers. Will Celia ever forgive him? Maybe. If he can make today's pleasure erase yesterday's pain..
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
28 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
602 books1,253 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 10, 2013
Really good book. The hero is an award winning musician plus works for Interpol. 18 years back, he was a teenager in love with the heroine, they were 16 and crazy and reckless and she got pregnant. The heroine who had been spoiled her entire life, decided to do the right thing, give her baby away but he wanted to keep her, so started working but got caught wrongly and sent to a reform school where he met the members of the Alpha Brotherhood. Life took them on different paths, the heroine had to deal with depression but her life is on track now when the hero returns, wanting to protect her because of some stalker problem. He has kept tabs on her for years but their history is complicated and filled with angst. I liked seeing how things weren't perfectly easy for them and the heroine was more cautious about being involved. Still, a good book.
March 26, 2013
Very good book. I liked both Celia and Malcolm. When they were teenagers Celia was the daughter of a local judge and Malcolm was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. But they were in love and that was all that mattered to them. When Celia got pregnant Malcolm started working any job he could find to earn enough money so they could get married. He ended up getting caught in a drug raid and even though he was innocent he was sent to a reform school. He and Celia ended up giving up the baby for adoption and they drifted apart. When she became the target of a stalker Malcolm used his connections and swooped in to protect her. They have a lot to overcome and none of it is easy.
Celia has been trying for eighteen years to get over Malcolm. After the birth of the baby she suffered from depression and panic attacks and has mostly recovered though she still has the occasional panic attack. When she is threatened she blows it off especially when Malcolm appears. She really doesn't want to risk her heart again. But he convinces her that coming along on his European tour is the perfect way to be protected. I really liked the way that she had gotten her life back together after making the incredibly hard decision to give up her baby. Her reaction to Malcolm's appearance showed her that she was still attracted to him and probably always would be. I really enjoyed seeing her get to know Malcolm the man and how he had changed from the boy she used to know. She discovered that she mostly liked him and really enjoyed meeting his friends. She didn't like his cynicism about the existence of love but she kind of understood his feelings. Her decision to give in to the physical wasn't easy but she didn't regret it. She was also finally able to let go of the guilt she felt over what she saw as her part in Malcolm being sent away.
Malcolm has spent his adult life performing his music and doing the occasional work for Colonel Salvatore and Interpol. He sees it as a way to make up for all the stupid things he did when he was younger. He has kept an eye on Celia from afar, wanting to make sure she is safe in a way he couldn't do when they were younger. He saw taking her on tour with him as a way to get her back in his bed and maybe get her out of his system, but it didn't work out that way. It seemed that everything he did just made him want her more and forever. I loved seeing the other members of the brotherhood come to help him and also the way they tried to make him see the truth about his feelings. I loved seeing the difference it made to his music when he did. The ending to the London concert was beautiful.
The resolution to Celia's stalker mystery was quite a surprise. I liked seeing the other brotherhood members and the wives from the first two books. It was fun seeing how their changes have continued after the end of those books. I'm looking forward to getting to know the other members and seeing how they meet their matches.
Celia has been trying for eighteen years to get over Malcolm. After the birth of the baby she suffered from depression and panic attacks and has mostly recovered though she still has the occasional panic attack. When she is threatened she blows it off especially when Malcolm appears. She really doesn't want to risk her heart again. But he convinces her that coming along on his European tour is the perfect way to be protected. I really liked the way that she had gotten her life back together after making the incredibly hard decision to give up her baby. Her reaction to Malcolm's appearance showed her that she was still attracted to him and probably always would be. I really enjoyed seeing her get to know Malcolm the man and how he had changed from the boy she used to know. She discovered that she mostly liked him and really enjoyed meeting his friends. She didn't like his cynicism about the existence of love but she kind of understood his feelings. Her decision to give in to the physical wasn't easy but she didn't regret it. She was also finally able to let go of the guilt she felt over what she saw as her part in Malcolm being sent away.
Malcolm has spent his adult life performing his music and doing the occasional work for Colonel Salvatore and Interpol. He sees it as a way to make up for all the stupid things he did when he was younger. He has kept an eye on Celia from afar, wanting to make sure she is safe in a way he couldn't do when they were younger. He saw taking her on tour with him as a way to get her back in his bed and maybe get her out of his system, but it didn't work out that way. It seemed that everything he did just made him want her more and forever. I loved seeing the other members of the brotherhood come to help him and also the way they tried to make him see the truth about his feelings. I loved seeing the difference it made to his music when he did. The ending to the London concert was beautiful.
The resolution to Celia's stalker mystery was quite a surprise. I liked seeing the other brotherhood members and the wives from the first two books. It was fun seeing how their changes have continued after the end of those books. I'm looking forward to getting to know the other members and seeing how they meet their matches.
January 13, 2019
Nombres: Celia & Malcom
Países: USA & Londres
Profesiones: Cantante & Profesora de Música.
Países: USA & Londres
Profesiones: Cantante & Profesora de Música.
September 26, 2014
Really good story about what it would be like to be the girlfriend of a rock star. The trouble is, someone is stalking Celia Patel and only Malcolm seems to be able to save her.
When I learned who was responsible for stalking Celia, I wanted to charge into the book and belt him, too! No woman should be frightened like that.
When I learned who was responsible for stalking Celia, I wanted to charge into the book and belt him, too! No woman should be frightened like that.
March 19, 2016
3.5 stars, good but could be so much better!
It's been a while since the last time I read Catherine Mann's book and I enjoyed this one. The twist at the end is certainly caught me off guard but still, I liked it. Though I was hoping for more drama and a bit stronger heroine, overall I liked this book.
Look forward to read more from this author!
It's been a while since the last time I read Catherine Mann's book and I enjoyed this one. The twist at the end is certainly caught me off guard but still, I liked it. Though I was hoping for more drama and a bit stronger heroine, overall I liked this book.
Look forward to read more from this author!
March 6, 2023
My rating: 3-stars.
I started reading this book many years ago. I stopped reading it and I don't remember why. I had forgotten how much I had read. So I just started reading it again from the beginning.
It had a good flow to it. But about a fourth to almost halfway through the book the scenes really sped up. I liked the characters, Malcolm and Celia. But I didn't feel that connection I prefer to feel with the main characters when reading their story. I know a lot was left out due to having to keep the story a quick and good read. But there's a couple things that could have been either addressed in an epilogue or even continued into another book. I didn't like the way the book ended. I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. Celia's stalker wasn't who I expected and their reason was just silly to me. I don't know, this book just left me feeling like it was written to be written and not to tell a story of a young love. The writing wasn't that bad but it wasn't too good either. This book asked some questions but didn't answer any of them, which is disappointing for me.
I started reading this book many years ago. I stopped reading it and I don't remember why. I had forgotten how much I had read. So I just started reading it again from the beginning.
It had a good flow to it. But about a fourth to almost halfway through the book the scenes really sped up. I liked the characters, Malcolm and Celia. But I didn't feel that connection I prefer to feel with the main characters when reading their story. I know a lot was left out due to having to keep the story a quick and good read. But there's a couple things that could have been either addressed in an epilogue or even continued into another book. I didn't like the way the book ended. I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. Celia's stalker wasn't who I expected and their reason was just silly to me. I don't know, this book just left me feeling like it was written to be written and not to tell a story of a young love. The writing wasn't that bad but it wasn't too good either. This book asked some questions but didn't answer any of them, which is disappointing for me.
December 3, 2018
Playing for Keeps
In book three Malcolm is setting out to keep his high school sweetheart from harm. Her name has popped up on a hit list. Her father, a judge, is working on a high profile case and that has put her in the cross hairs of a hit man. He has decided that she will go with him to Europe while he finishes his own tour. But when the chemistry between them entire will their own past detail the love? Eighteen years ago they have up a child for adoption. She went into post partum depression. He was sent away. When he finds out about what happened to her will be be able to help her?
In book three Malcolm is setting out to keep his high school sweetheart from harm. Her name has popped up on a hit list. Her father, a judge, is working on a high profile case and that has put her in the cross hairs of a hit man. He has decided that she will go with him to Europe while he finishes his own tour. But when the chemistry between them entire will their own past detail the love? Eighteen years ago they have up a child for adoption. She went into post partum depression. He was sent away. When he finds out about what happened to her will be be able to help her?
June 1, 2017
D2221 Apr13. Alpha Brotherhood #3 Malcolm Douglas and Celia Patel have a shared past, a child. Life pulled them apart, Malcolm went to a military school for a crime he didn't commit and she put their baby up for adoption. Malcolm went on to be a rock star. He's back because Celia is getting threats. Can they get beyond their past and have a future together?
This has been a good series.
This has been a good series.
March 15, 2015
Chart-topper and Grammy winner Malcolm Douglas shows up in his Mississippi hometown to the adoring shrieks of high-school girls. But Celia Patel has a different opinion. She was his school sweetheart eighteen years ago and he left her behind with the law at his heels. Now she's stuck here as a music teacher and their child has been adopted.
Malcolm has an urgent mission - he's heard that threats have been laid against Celia's father, a judge who who is trying a major drugs case. Celia herself is a likely target, and Malcolm badly wants to protect her. But will he survive their first encounter? Celia would be safer if she accompanied him on his upcoming European tour... but Celia has no desire to be made a fool of again. Celia decides that maybe spending a little time with her ex would bring some closure. Next stop, armoured cars and a helicopter....
The chaos of publicity and pop concerts comes across well, and Celia can't be blamed for feeling overwhelmed. She barely sees any of the sights in the European cities but Malcolm's good friends, and revisiting the past, make the characters come across as real people with genuine issues. A fresh start can't be an option, but they can get to know each other again as adults. Leaving small town life worked out well for Malcolm, handing him greater responsibilities, and Celia has spent overcoming her resentment - if she managed this so well, why does she still get panic attacks?
Catherine Mann handles the tale adroitly, keeping music to the fore - well, music is the food of love! This is a fine romance, above average in terms of character and it should be enjoyed by anyone in the modern music industry or by romance fans.
Malcolm has an urgent mission - he's heard that threats have been laid against Celia's father, a judge who who is trying a major drugs case. Celia herself is a likely target, and Malcolm badly wants to protect her. But will he survive their first encounter? Celia would be safer if she accompanied him on his upcoming European tour... but Celia has no desire to be made a fool of again. Celia decides that maybe spending a little time with her ex would bring some closure. Next stop, armoured cars and a helicopter....
The chaos of publicity and pop concerts comes across well, and Celia can't be blamed for feeling overwhelmed. She barely sees any of the sights in the European cities but Malcolm's good friends, and revisiting the past, make the characters come across as real people with genuine issues. A fresh start can't be an option, but they can get to know each other again as adults. Leaving small town life worked out well for Malcolm, handing him greater responsibilities, and Celia has spent overcoming her resentment - if she managed this so well, why does she still get panic attacks?
Catherine Mann handles the tale adroitly, keeping music to the fore - well, music is the food of love! This is a fine romance, above average in terms of character and it should be enjoyed by anyone in the modern music industry or by romance fans.
April 15, 2013
4.5 Stars
Playing for Keeps by Catherine Mann is a sexy, hot and sweet romance of two high school sweethearts reuniting after 18 years apart.
Celia Patel’s life is simple, and all she wants is to be in peace with her music and her students but unfortunately, with her father being a judge working on a high-profile case, she is receiving life-threats that nobody believes but her.
Malcom Douglas has become a world-famous musician and a billionaire. He promised himself that he would have more money than Celia’s father has and proof that he is no longer that poor boy that he didn’t approve of 18 years ago. Read More...
Playing for Keeps by Catherine Mann is a sexy, hot and sweet romance of two high school sweethearts reuniting after 18 years apart.
Celia Patel’s life is simple, and all she wants is to be in peace with her music and her students but unfortunately, with her father being a judge working on a high-profile case, she is receiving life-threats that nobody believes but her.
Malcom Douglas has become a world-famous musician and a billionaire. He promised himself that he would have more money than Celia’s father has and proof that he is no longer that poor boy that he didn’t approve of 18 years ago. Read More...
March 31, 2013
I really liked Malcolm and Celia's story. They were high school loves but mistakes drove them apart. Malcolm to military school and Celia to Switzerland to give birth. So eighteen years later the are reunited when she is in trouble. I loved the development and the ending though I wanted more but I will with the next books.
February 28, 2014
I've really enjoyed reading The Alpha Brotherhood Series by Catherine Mann. And Playing For Keeps was an extraordinary story of high school sweethearts finding their way back to each other, even if an outside source is involved. Malcolm and Celia are both warm giving character's that I almost felt a friendship with, well definitely with Celia at least.
May 5, 2013
I liked this one although Malcolm was a little too pushy for my tastes at the beginning. Once he chilled out and explained himself a bit I liked him a lot more. I liked Celia as well and the glimpses we got of previous couples makes me want to go back and read their stories as well.
May 7, 2013
The story line was an excellent idea but the writing was sub par. There was a lack of connection between the characters and the reader--imo as well as the story line.
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December 29, 2014Miniseries: The Alpha Brotherhood
Category: Passion
Category: Passion
April 18, 2013
Entertaining... Not Mann's best, but a good weekend read that had much more potential.
July 23, 2013
A sweet story about two people who lost each other as teens, then later in life discovered that they were still connected. It was very fast read.
August 9, 2014
Que libro más bonito, esta serie me encanta pero este libro, jo.. lo que me hizo llorar. Ya quiero el siguiente
February 16, 2015
This was one of the better ones out of the series. I didnt find the series that thrilling to read. Boring at times. Mundane. Not a capture you all kind of series.
November 7, 2022
Найдурніший любовний роман, що попадав мені в руки, і навіть без сцен сексу!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews